Mirela Mabić

Correlation between water hardness and cardiovascular diseases in Mostar city, Bosnia and Herzegovina

The aim of this study was to determine the association of cardiovascular disease (CVD) of selected human subjects with the hardness of water they consume. Laboratory testing of physical and chemical parameters of water were made using standardized methods: Standard Methods 19th edn, 1995 (APHA, AWWA & WEF, Washington, DC), and ISO 7888:1985, ISO 10523:1998. Pearsons chi-squared test was used for the statistical analysis of data, with the significance level of 0.05. The obtained data were analysed using the statistical program SPSS 16.0. The study sample consisted of 1,021 individuals divided into two groups: soft water consumers, 603 individuals, and, hard water consumers, 618 individuals. Results indicate that a statistically significant (χ(2) = 5.315; df = 1; p = 0.021) number of individuals with CVD drink soft water. The prevalence of CVD in the age group 45-60 years in the study area where soft water is consumed was 21.3% and in the study area where hard water is consumed the prevalence of CVD was 13.7%. The summary results indicate significant correlation between the prevalence of CVD in the population group who drink soft water. The value of the relative risk is 1.127.

WEB 2.0 technologies in companies: attitudes of B&H managers

Objective of the study was to investigate what managers think about the impact of Web 2.0 technologies on business operations. The empirical research was conducted among top and middle managers in companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina during May and June 2015. The results show that, although all respondents do not use these technologies, they have a relatively positive opinion on the application of Web 2.0 technologies in business. According to their opinion, Web 2.0 technologies make the most important contribution to data and information sharing in company and have a significant impact on the quality of communication, both internal and external.These results encourage further research on the application of Web 2.0 technologies in business and the use of all the advantages and benefits they can provide to someone actively using them.

Presence of Banks on Social Networks in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract Background: Social networks allow real-time interaction that enhances a bank’s ability to respond to customers in a timely, intuitive and personalized manner. By using social networks, banks can improve the understanding of their clients and bank’s products they need. Also, banks can enhance relations with clients and strengthen their brand through raising client loyalty. Objectives: The paper explores and analyses the current presence of banks in Bosnia and Herzegovina on social networks. Methods/Approach: The paper studies the presence of 24 banks in Bosnia and Herzegovina on social networks and analyses the basic characteristics of profiles/pages of the banks on the most popular social networks. Results: A half of the banks have their profiles/pages on different social networks (mostly on Facebook and YouTube). They use the profiles/pages mainly for content marketing, i.e. for presenting their business operations. Unfortunately, banks do not encourage interaction with clients, except through likes. Conclusions: The analysis does not show that banks have a systematized and planned appearance on social networks. There is a plenty of room for improvement, and it is necessary primarily to address the interaction between clients and banks through social networks.